How to Survive Winter’s Bite

While some people find the crisp, clean, fresh air and green landscapes of winter beautiful, most of us prefer the sunny heat that comes with summer. Whichever you prefer, however, you need to survive winter in order to enjoy summer again. And winter has certainly declared its presence this past week.

Here are some tips on how to survive the cold of winter:

1. Stay Active

It’s tempting to hibernate in your bed with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Staying active, however – by doing some jumping or other cardio exercises indoors – will help raise your body temperature. And the added benefit of staying active is that the exercise will boost your immune system. Be careful not to exercise when you’re ill, though, since you might damage your heart.

2. Stay Positive

When you stand in the sun, your skin absorbs vitamin D, which plays a part in stabilising and improving your mood. The absence of sun can cause you to feel sad more easily – this is often referred to as the ‘winter blues’.

Try to focus on the positive aspects in your life and on the beauty of nature during winter: Everything is green and shiny from the rain, the dams and rivers are filling up, and the earth is getting a much-needed cleanse. Try to grab some sunlight whenever you get the chance. Also, make a point of spending time with loved ones – studies show that this improves our moods and overall happiness.

3. Stay Healthy

Wash your hands often. You can’t see the germs, but they really are everywhere. Shaking hands, touching doorknobs, and opening fridges and microwaves are everyday activities that carry the risk of spreading germs easily. Eat more vegetables to boost your immune system, or take a multivitamin supplement. Eating or drinking soup is a great and affordable way of getting all the nutrients you need, especially if you don’t like the taste of plain, cooked vegetables.

4. Stay Dry

Water conducts heat very easily. That is why you get cold so easily after getting out of a hot bath or shower. If you get caught in the rain, try to change into dry clothes as soon as possible. Not only will you warm up quicker, but you will also reduce the risk of falling ill.

5. Stay Warm

It may be tempting to sit in front of the heater the whole day, but this is not healthy. Germs and bacteria thrive in the heat, and can easily infect you if your immune system has been weakened by the cold. Rather wear warm jerseys and boots, wrap yourself in a blanket, or take a hot water bottle wherever you go.

Focus on keeping your upper body warm. If the blood that circulates from your heart is warm, the rest of your body will warm up by circulation. Be careful not to overheat to the point that you start sweating. Sweating is the body’s way of cooling itself, which will have the opposite effect of what you want.

Try to avoid being in the wind. Moving cold air feels much colder than it actually is, because it increases the speed at which your body loses its heat.

6. Stay Alert

When driving in your car, keep extra distance between yourself and the car in front of you. Snowy and rainy conditions make the road slippery, which means your car will need some extra space to stop. In some parts of the country, the snow melts slightly and then freezes again. This is called black ice. It is the most dangerous type of ice. Imagine your car is ice skating. That is how slippery the road will be.

How are you keeping safe and warm this winter? Let us know in the comments box below!